“Didn’t I tell you to call me Papa?”
“Didn’t I say no!?”
“Personally, I want to hear the sound of ‘Papa, Papa’…”
William muttered with a sad expression on his face.
No one reached for their tableware first. It was no surprise—since the master of the house hadn’t touched his, everyone else followed suit.
William lifted his cutlery and finally spoke.
“Now for the speech! Today is my dear Amelia’s birthday! Now, everyone, enjoy your meal, and I ask for your support in the future.”
It hardly sounded like a proper congratulatory speech, but as soon as William made his declaration, everyone picked up their tableware.
Looking around, the servants hesitated, their movements noticeably slower than usual. It was because of William. If they made a mistake here, there was no telling what kind of scolding they would receive—just like what happened with Ed.
“Tommy, some wine.”
“Okay.”
The old butler did not take a seat. She stood silently beside William, only moving at his request.
Tommy took the wine and quietly filled the glass in front of him.
“Tommy, just bring the wine and sit down.”
“Okay, Master.”
Unconsciously, I found myself watching the old butler, Tommy.
There was a certain dignity in his every movement, and I couldn’t help but admire it.
“Hyunjin, do you know how to drink?”
William suddenly turned to me. He had mentioned before that he enjoyed drinking, but I knew he refrained because he was still young. More importantly, alcohol was the perfect way to ruin one’s stamina.
“No, since I’m still a student… I’ve never had any.”
“Hahaha! That’s a shame. Then, how about trying it now?”
“Oh, Father! What are you saying!?”
“A man is only complete once he learns to drink.”
William grinned, baring his teeth. He was obviously trying to push alc0hol on me.
Maybe he just wanted a drinking companion, but considering the occasion—a birthday party—his real intention seemed clear. Behind that clever smile, there was an unmistakable will to test me.
I had no intention of falling for it.
At times like this, I had to remember what a proper butler should do.
“I can’t drink unless the lady suggests it.”
“What a pity!”
William chuckled and took a sip of his wine.
He was certainly a good man. At first glance, he seemed like nothing more than a foolish, doting father, but it was clear that he was watching me closely, gauging my reaction.
That was why he kept making these suggestions—testing me.
“Apologies,” I said.
“No, what for? There’s nothing to be sorry about! Hahaha! By the way, how long have you been a butler?”
“I met the young lady last December and entered the mansion then. So, it’s been five months.”
“Five months… That’s not very long.”
“Yes.”
“Amelia, do you feel a little better now that you’ve chosen a servant yourself?”
At William’s question, Amelia paused, her face turning red.
“Father, it’s rude to ask something like that!”
“Ah, is it? Fathers who are curious about their children’s affairs exist all over the world.”
“Yes, but…”
“So, be honest.”
“W-Well, it’s been nice. Most of all, it’s because we’re similar in age…!”
“And?”
William smirked slyly, shifting the conversation from me to Amelia.
What a nasty personality.
“Above all, listen carefully!! He’s like a docile dog!!”
Amelia raised her voice, nearly in tears.
At her outburst, the servants clapped in unison.
A docile dog? That was a bit much!
Even so, I held my tongue. I had to maintain proper decorum.
William was the first to speak again.
“Ah, did you think of Hyunjin like that? Forgive the rudeness of this poor man. This is Amelia’s birthday party, but I was simply curious about her new butler.”
William spoke as if he had just realized the situation. It made sense—someone like him, the master of the house, would obviously know what was going on.
“No, My Lord,” I replied.
“Seeing you in person puts me at ease. I think I understand why Amelia hired you.”
William lightly stroked his golden beard.
This development hadn’t been in the original story, but at least things hadn’t taken a turn for the worse.
“So, what do you think of Amelia, Hyunjin?”
Wait a minute.
What did he mean by that?
A powerful question landed squarely on me like a punch.
Enjoy reading Transmigrated as the Butler of a Defeated Heroine? Then please show your support if you are able to.
Want to read more? Become a Transmigrated as the Butler of a Defeated Heroine ($5 per month) member at Patreon and get Five or More Advance Chapters (parts) immediately, then stay 5 or more chapter parts ahead of the regular release for the month! Or, become a KR WN Bundle ($10 per month) member and have access to all the KR webnovel advance chapters on goblinslate. Get more chapters by sponsoring at BuymeaCoffee or Patreon Shop. Rate and leave a review at NU.
Check out my other projects:
Rehabilitating the Villainess
Pushover Extra Trains the Villainesses
I Picked Up an Amnesiac Witch
My Summons Are Special
My Wife is the Devil